Dockhead and Old Kent Road fire stations to be rebuilt in PFI deal

The selection of Blue 3 – a joint venture between Kier and Dutch Infrastructure Fund – to deliver the design, build, financing and maintenance of the nine stations marks the beginning of the final stage of a procurement process that began more than five years ago.

The PFI deal was first announced in 2006 when both the Government and the fire authority were under Labour control.

Construction work at the nine stations is now expected to begin in June 2013 once detailed plans have been approved.

The PFI project will see London Fire Brigade receive £57.4 million to rebuild to Dagenham, Dockhead, Leytonstone, Mitcham, Old Kent Road, Orpington, Plaistow, Purley and Shadwell fire stations.

"This is excellent news for the capital," says Assistant Commissioner Andy Hickmott.

"Some of our fire stations are over a hundred years old and are simply not fit for modern purposes.

"These stations need to be brought up to date and this project demonstrates our continuing commitment to maintaining the world class fire and rescue service that Londoners have come to expect.

"Not only will these new fire stations provide state of the art facilities for our crews, with room for modern fire appliances and training, they will also be kitted out with community spaces that will allow members of the public to easily access vital life saving fire safety advice."

Southwark councillors approved plans for Dockhead fire station in 2009. The present station dates from 1928 and was seen by millions when it was used as the setting for ITV drama series London's Burning.

Plans for the new Dockhead fire station to include a breathing apparatus training facility and youth activity centre have been cancelled as a cost-saving measure.